This morning as I wait to travel to Israel, I'm incredibly excited about being able to walk where Jesus walked. I have been asked to lead a devotional for my group at the Mount of Beatitudes, the place where Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount (read Matthew 5-8). Every time I begin reading to prepare I become overwhelmed by the beauty and authority of Jesus' sermon. To think of delivering a message in that spot where Jesus taught and spoke seems overwhelming. But then, I remember that isn't that what we as Christians are called to do in every way, every day? We walk where Jesus would walk. We speak what Jesus would speak. In a world full of hurt and broken lives we are called to walk and speak int the situations that Jesus calls us through our baptism to care about. As I journey on this pilgrimage, my prayer is that God will continue to lead me and challenge me to grow in my awareness of God.
After the halfway point on my walk this morning, heading back towards home, I saw something you don’t see every day. It was a mockingbird chasing a hawk. The hawk was probably five times the size of the mockingbird. But the chase was all in the attitude. The mockingbird was squawking and chirping in a language that would make a sailor blush. The hawk wanted no part of it and was trying the flee but could not get away from the mockingbird. What had the hawk done? What had agitated the mockingbird so much? Had it been a transgression? Was the hawk just too close for comfort? Or did the two have a history. I was walking a bit later than normal and had not yet seen this routine. The unusual scene distracted and entertained me as I reflected on a myriad of permutations. As I’ve felt like the one receiving the squawk most of my life as a leader, I was surprised at how proud I was of the little mockingbird. Maybe ...
I know this experience will have strong impact on the emotions and thoughts you will have the rest of your life! Many blessings as you "walk where Jesus walked". Can't wait to see pictures and hear your stories.
ReplyDeleteHolt family is praying for you!
Sarah